Thomas Birch, celebrated for his maritime paintings that encapsulate the essence of American naval history, is considered to be the first "ship portraitist." Born in England to artist William Birch, Thomas Birch (1779 – January 3, 1851) moved to the United States in 1794, settling in Philadelphia. American Ship, an oil on canvas seascape painting measuring 22.5x32.25 inches, is an excellent example of Birch's maritime work. However, the results of time had dimmed its brilliance, prompting its journey to The Conservation Center for treatment.
American Ship before treatment
Upon arrival at The Conservation Center, American Ship underwent an examination to assess its condition. Executed on a canvas of medium weave and weight, the painting revealed signs of age-related wear. Notably, the painting had a heavily discolored varnish layer, a quarter-inch area of canvas loss at the upper right corner and frame abrasions.
American Ship before treatment, verso
Under the skilled direction of Associate Paintings Conservator Rebecca Vodehnal and Senior Conservator of Furniture Stephen Ryan, a comprehensive conservation plan was devised for both the painting and the frame. Rebecca began the painting treatment with the removal of the painting from its frame for thorough examination and documentation, including high-resolution before and after-treatment photography. Surface cleaning techniques, including aqueous solutions and dry methods, were employed to remove accumulated grime from the painting's surface.
American Ship before treatment under raking light.
American Ship during treatment, under UV light
To address structural deficiencies, the missing keys on the stretcher were replaced, allowing the canvas to be adjusted properly. Additionally, labels affixed to the stretcher were carefully protected with Mylar to preserve the painting's provenance. The discolored varnish layer was removed using appropriate solvents to reveal the paint's original vibrancy. Losses in the paint layer, including the quarter-inch area of canvas loss at the upper right corner, were filled and textured using conservation-grade materials. Skilled inpainting techniques were then applied to seamlessly integrate the inpainting with the original artwork, ensuring a harmonious visual unity.
American Ship during treatment, with the discolored varnish removed on the left, and still present on the right.
The preservation of the frame, characterized by its gold-toned silver leaf and red bole over yellow, was performed by Stephen Ryan. Solvent cleaning techniques were employed to retain its original finish, while minor gesso and gilding losses were consolidated using conservation adhesives. Notably, the inherent tarnishing of the silver leaf was preserved as a testament to the frame's storied history.
American Ship after treatment
Reflecting on the conservation process, the client expressed profound satisfaction, noting the remarkable transformation achieved by The Conservation Center. The client shared that the painting now "pops with vibrancy, as if [American Ship] was just recently painted." Through thorough care and expert craftsmanship, American Ship has been conserved to its former glory, serving as a testament to Thomas Birch's artistic prowess and the dedication of The Conservation Center's team.
American Ship after treatment, verso
